FRICTION WELD SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH VIBRATION QUALITY MONITORING MEANS

Description

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to a friction welding system and method of friction welding acending to the preamble of claim 1 (sec, for example, JP H06/000 662). In particular, the present disclosure relates to monitoring vibration during friction welding.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A friction welding system, specifically an inertia or inertial welding system, utilizes friction between surfaces to be joined to produce heat thai bonds a first workpiece and a second workpiece together. The two workpieces to be bonded are mounted on an inertial welding machine. In one type of system, the first workpiece is held stationary, while the second workpiece is rotated rapidly on a spindle attached to a fly wheel. When the fly wheel reaches a predetermined speed, the fly wheel is disengaged and pressure is applied to the first workpiece to urge the first workpiece against the second workpiece. Kinetic friction between the first workpiece and the second workpiece generates heat sufficient to form a bond between the first workpiece and the second workpiece.

[0003] The first workpiece may be urged against the second workpiece with presure applied with hydraulic cylinders or similar arrangements. Operation of the inertial wending machine may result in vibration. This vibration can correlate to energy diverted from the bond of the first workpiece and the second workpiece. This vibration energy is diverted to other areas of the workpieces and tooling. The vibration enrgey can cause damage to the worpieces and tooling that can be identified by inspection after the weld process is complete. Such inspection adds complexity and cost to the process. The vibration can be reduced or eliminated by damping. However, systems and equipment for damping are expensive and are not fully reliable.

[0004] What is needed is a friction welding system and method that can prevent vibration while the first piece is forced against the second piece.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a friction welding system is defined in claim 1, and includes a welding arrangement configured to impart kinetic friction between at least one surface of a first workpiece and at least one surface of a second workpiece to form a weld, a force providing mechanism arranged and disposed for applying a force to one or both of the first workpiece and the second workpiece, and a sensor arranged and disposed to measure a parameter of the welding arrangement, wherein an amount of vibration is determinable from the measured parameter.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of friction welding is defined in claim 11, and includes providing an friction weeding system, monitoring the force applied by a force providing mechanism, determining the amount of vibration in response to a measured parameter, comparing an amount of vibration to a predetermined amount of vibration, and generating a signal in response to the amount of vibration. In the embodiment, the friction welding system includes a welding arrangement configured to impart kinetic friction between at least one surface of a first workpiece and at least one surface of a second workpiece to form a weld the force providing mechanism arranged and disposed for applying the force to one or both of the first workpiece and the second wokpiece, and a sensor arranged and disposed to measure the parameter of the welding arrangement, wherein the amount of vibration is determinable from the measured parameter.

[0007] One advantage of the present disclosure includes reduction or elimination of expensive professing and equipment of friction welded articles.

[0008] Another advantage of the present disclosure includes reduction or elimination of the need for expensive and unreliable equipment for vibration damping.

[0009] Another advantage of the present disclosure is improved weld qualify and improved process control allowing for greater process efficiency.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] 

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of an friction welding system.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of an friction welding system.

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of a friction welding process.

FIG. 4 shows another diagrammatic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a friction welding process.

[0012] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a friction welding system 100. The friction welding system 100 may include an inertial welding arrangement 107, a force providing mechanism 109, and a sensor 102. Inertial welding arrangement 107 is configured to impart a kinetic friction between at least one surface of a first workpiece 104 and at least one surface of a second workpiece 106. Welding arrangement 107 can includes a first securing mechanism 108 arranged and disposed for receiving and securing first workpiece 104. As shown, first workpiece 104 is detachably secured by first securing mechanism 108, which presents rotation of first workpiece 104. First securing mechanism 108 can be attached to or integral with a hydraulic cylinder 110. Welding arrangement 107 can further include a second securing mechanism 112 arranged and disposed to receive and secure second workpiece 106. As shown, second workpiece 106 can be secured by second securing mechanism 112. while permitting second workpiece 106 to rotate (see 101). In one embodiment, shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, second securing mechanism 112 is attached to a hydraulic bearing 114. However, any suitable arrangement may be used to facilitate rotation, including an integral bearing assembly.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 2. force providing mechanism 109 of friction welding system 100 can provide a force to one or both of first workpiece 104 and second workpiece 106. Force providing mechanism 109 can include hydraulic cylinder 110 and hydraulic bearing 114. Hydraulic cylinder 110 provides a force by a piston 202 directing first securing mechanism 108, and thus, first workpiece 104 toward second workpiece 106. With hydraulic bearings 114 securing second workpiece 106 while permitting second workpiece 106 to rotate, first workpiece 104 and second workpiece 106 are forced together where the surfaces sliding over eachother result in kinetic friction. The kinetic friction generates heat to form a weld 204. The piston 202 applies force to urge first securing mechanism 108 toward second securing mechanism 112 by action of a pressure circuit 208 in fluid communication with hydraulic cylinder 110. In the embodiment shown, pressure circuit 208 may be in fluid communication with hydraulic cylinder 110 and hydraulic bearings 114. Pressure circuit 208 can be arranged and disposed to provide a controllable pressure to at least one of hydraulic cylinder 110 or hydraulic bearings 114. In an exemplary embodiment, pressure circuit 208 may be controlled by a pressure valve 210 configured to control pressure of pressure circuit 208. In other embodiments, additional pressure valves througout the pressure circuit can be included to provide additional control.

[0015] Friction welding system 100 uses rotary motion and pressure to produce heat resulting from kinetic friction to bond first workpiece 104 and second workpiece 106 together. First workpiece 104 and second workpiece 106 are secured in welding arrangement 107. As shown in FIG 1, welding arrangment 107 provides rotary motion of second workpiece 106. Rotary motion may be provided by any suitable mechanism including a flywheel on spindle arrangement as is known in the art for intertial welding. Kinetic friction between first workpiece 104 and the second workpiece 106 generates heat sufficient to form a bond between first workpiece 104 and second workpiece 106.

[0016] While first workpiece 104 is directed against second workpiece 106 with force provided by force providing mechanism 109, vibration can occur. While not wishing to be bound by theory, vibration is believed to divert energy from a weld 204 formed by the bond between of first workpiece 104 and the second workpiece 106, causing vibration energy to be imparted on other areas of the workpiece and tooling. This energy can cause workpiece and tooling damage. Identifying the damage after fabrication can result in increased expense of producing more scrap, production time, labor and/or equipment (for example, damping).

[0017] System 100 includes sensor 102 for determining the vibration. Sensor 102 can be arranged and disposed for measuring a parameter relating to force providing mechanism 109 and determining the amount of vibration from the measured parameter. The parameter may includes, but is not limited to, fluid pressure; temperature: acoustic response; machine, tooling or workpiece acceleration; and/or machine, tooling or workpiece strain. For example, the vibration can occur on first securing mechanism 108, which can result in vibration of hydraulic cylinder 110. For example, sensor 102 can monitor vibration of hydraulic cylinder 110 by monitoring fluid pressure fluctuations within pressure circuit 208.

[0018] System 100 includes a controller 212. Controller 212 receivers signals from sensor 102 corresponding to the parameter measured by sensor 102. For example, when fluid pressure fluctuations are measured by sensor 102, controller 212 determines the corresponding vibration and adjusts the pressure of pressure circuit 208 in response to the determined vibration. As vibration increases, controller 212 may detect inconsistent pressure demands to provide the desired amount of force, thereby resulting in fluid pressure fluctuations. The detection of the inconsistent pressure demands and the corresponding vibration can thereby provide detection of workpiece damage.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 3, a process 300 for detecting and preventing workpiece damage in a friction welding system is shown. Process 300 includes monitoring a parameter in a friction welding system (step 302). For example, the monitoring may include measuring or sensing, with a sensor or other suitable device, the fluid pressure within a pressure circuit. Process 300 further includes determining the amount of vibration in response to the parameter (step 304). For example, determining the amount of vibration based upon high frequency (such as, 200 khz) fluid pressure data from a pressure circuit. Such determining may includes transmission of signals or information from a sensor to a microprocessor or other suitable device. Process 300 further includes comparing the amount of vibration to a predetermined amount of vibration (step 306) and generating a signal in response to the determination. For example, fluid pressure data can be used to automatically calculate whether the amount of vibration is above the predetermined level. Upon determining that the amount of vibration is above the predetermined level (for example, "Yes" in FIG. 3), the signal can be transmitted resulting in a rejection of the part (step 310). Upon determining that the amount of vibration is below the predetermined level (for example, "No" in FIG. 3), the signal can be transmitted resulting in process 300 determining whether welding of the part is complete (step 308). If welding of the part is complete (for example, "Yes" in FIG. 3), then the part can be accepted (step 312). If welding of the part is not complete (for example, "No" in FIG. 3), then the process can be repeated (step 302).

[0020] Referring to FIG. 4, a process 400 according to the present invention for detecting and preventing workpiece damage in a friction welding system is shown. Process 400 includes monitoring a parameter in a friction welding system (step 402). For example, monitoring the fluid pressure provided to a hydraulic cylinder acting upon a first securing mechanism, and thus, urging the first workpiece toward a second workpiece. Process 400 further includes determining the amount of vibration in response to the parameter (step 404). For example, determining the amount of vibration based upon high frequency (such as, 200 khz) pressure data from a pressure circuit. Process 400 further includes comparing the amount of vibration to a predetermined amount of vibration (step 406) and generating a signal in response to the determination. For example, the pressure data can be used to automatically calculate whether the amount of vibration is above a predetermined level.

[0021] Upon determining that vibration is above the predetermined level (for example, "Yes" in FIG. 4), the signal can be transmitted resulting in process 400 determining whether vibration may be remedied (step 408). The determination of whether vibration may be remedied can include comparing process limits based upon pressure data from the system, comparing process limits based upon preprogrammed specifications, consideration of the amount of times the process has attempted to remedy the vibration, and/or other suitable conditions. If the system determines vibration cannot be remedied (for example, "No" in FIG. 4), the part is rejected (step 410). If the system determines vibration can be remedied (for example, "Yes" in FIG. 4), then the system responds to the vibration (step 412) and the process is repeated (step 402). For example, a signal controlled can provide a signal in response to the amount of vibration. The response can include pressure pulses in the pressure circuit to stabilize a hydraulic cylinder and the process can be repeated to determine whether the pressure pulses stabilized the hydraulic cylinder.

[0022] In comparing the amount of vibration to a predetermined amount of vibration (step 406), upon determining that the amount of vibration is bellow the predetermined level (for example, "No" in FIG. 4), the system can determine whether welding of the part is complete (step 414). If welding of the part is complete (for example, "Yes" in FIG. 4), then the part can be accepted (step 416). If welding of the part is not complete (for example, "No" in FIG. 4), then the process can be repeated (step 402).

[0023] While the disclosure has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A friction welding system comprising:

a welding arrangement (107) configured to impart kinetic friction between at least one surface of a first workpiece (104) and at least one surface of a second workpiece (106) to form a weld;

a force providing mechanism (109) having a pressure circuit (208) arranged and disposed for applying a force to one or both of the first workpiece (104) and the second workpiece (106); and characterized by:

a sensor (102) arranged and disposed to measure a fluid pressure fluctuation of the pressure circuit (208) of the welding arrangment, wherein an amount of vibration for a parameter of the friction welding system is determinable from the measured fluid pressure fluctuation;

and a controller (212) configured to receive fluid pressure fluctuation measured by the sensor (102) and to adjust the force applied by the pressure circuit (208) of the force providing mechanism (109) in response to the measured fluid pressure fluctuation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the welding arrangement comprises:

a first securing mechanism (108) arranged and disposed to receive and secure the first workpiece (104); and

a second securing mechanism (112) arranged and disposed to receive and secure the second workpiece (106), the second securing mechanism (112) being configured to rotate the second workpiece (106).

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the force providing mechanism (109) is configured to provide the force to one or both of the first workpiece (104) and the second workpiece (106) by a hydraulically driven piston (202), the piston (202) being configured to urge the first workpiece (104) against the second workpiece (106).

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the pressure circuit (208), is in fluid communication with at least one of the first securing mechanism (108) or the second securing mechanism (112), wherein the controller (212) is further configured to adjust the force provided by the force providing mechanism (109) by adjusting an adjustable parameter in the pressure circuit (208).

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the controller (212) is configured to adjust the adjustable parameter by providing fluid pressure pulses.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the adjustable parameter is fluid pressure in the pressure circuit (208).

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a pressure valve arranged and disposed to controllably adjust the fluid pressure in the pressure circuit (208).

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a second pressure valve arranged and disposed to controllably adjust the force applied to one or both of the first workpiece (104) and the second workpiece (106)

9. The system of claim 4, wherein the sensor (102) is configured to measure pressure in the pressure circuit (208).

10. The system of claim 4, wherein the sensor (102) is configured to measure a fluctuation of the measured parameter in the pressure circuit (208).

11. A method of friction welding comprising:

providing a friction welding system comprising:

a welding arrangement (107) configured to impart kinetic friction between at least one surface of a first workpiece (104) and at least one surface of a second workpiece (106) to form a weld;

a force providing mechanism (109) having a pressure circuit (208) arranged and disposed for applying a force to one or both of the first workpiece (104) and the second workpiece (106); and characterised by:

a sensor (102) arranged and disposed to measure a fluid pressure fluctuation of the pressure circuit (208) the welding arrangment (117), wherein an amount of vibration for a parameter of the friction welding system is determinable from the measured fluid pressure fluctuation; and characterised by the following steps:

monitoring the force applied by the force providing mechanism (109);

determining the amount of vibration for the parameter in response to the measured fluid pressure fluctuation;

comparing the amount of vibration to a predetermined amount of vibration; and

generating a signal in response to the amount of vibration if the amount of vibration is greater than the predetermined amount of vibration for the parameter, and returning to the step of monitoring if no signal is generated;

determining if the amount of vibration can be remedied; and

sending a signal to the force providing mechanism (109) wherein the force providing mechanism (109) adjusts in response to the signal to reduce the force urging the first workpiece (104) and the second workpiece (106) together if the amount of vibration can be remedied or the force providing mechanism (109) stops in response to the signal if the amount of vibration cannot be remedied.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid pressure fluctuation is frequency fluid pressure data from the pressure circuit (208), the pressure circuit (208) being in fluid communication with at least one of the first securing mechanism (108) or the second securing mechanism (112), the second securing mechanism (112) being configured to rotate the second workpiece (106).

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing a plurality of fluid pressure pulses in the pressure circuit in response to the generated signal.

Ansprüche

1. Reibschweißsystem, Folgendes umfassend:

eine Schweißanordnung (107), konfiguriert, um kinetische Reibung zwischen wenigstens einer Oberfläche eines ersten Werkstücks (104) und wenigstens einer Oberfläche eines zweiten Werkstücks (106) zu übertragen, um eine Schweißnaht auszubilden;

einen Kraftbereitstellungsmechanismus (109) mit einem Druckkreislauf (208), ausgelegt und angeordnet, um eine Kraft auf das erste Werkstück (104) und/oder das zweite Werkstück (106) zu übertragen; und gekennzeichnet durch:

einen Sensor (102), ausgelegt und angeordnet, um eine Fluiddruckschwankung des Druckkreislaufs (208) der Schweißanordnung zu messen, wobei ein Vibrationswert für einen Parameter des Reibschweißsystems aus der gemessenen Fluiddruckschwankung bestimmt wird;

und einen Regler (212), konfiguriert, um vom Sensor (102) gemessene Fluiddruckwerte zu empfangen, und um die vom Druckkreislauf (208) des Kraftbereitstellungsmechanismus (109) aufgebrachte Kraft als Reaktion auf die gemessene Fluiddruckschwankung einzustellen.

2. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Schweißanordnung Folgendes umfasst:

einen ersten Sicherungsmechanismus (108), ausgelegt und angeordnet, um das erste Werkstück (104) aufzunehmen und zu sichern; und

einen zweiten Sicherungsmechanismus (112), ausgelegt und angeordnet, um das zweite Werkstück (106) aufzunehmen und zu sichern, wobei der zweite Sicherungsmechanismus (112) konfiguriert ist, das zweite Werkstück (106) zu drehen.

3. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Kraftbereitstellungsmechanismus (109) konfiguriert ist, die Kraft auf das erste Werkstück (104) und / oder das zweite Werkstück (106) mit einem hydraulisch angetriebenen Kolben (202) aufzubringen, wobei der Kolben (202) konfiguriert ist, das erste Werkstück (104) gegen das zweite Werkstück (106) zu drängen.

4. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Druckkreislauf (208) in Fluidverbindung mit dem ersten Sicherungsmechanismus (108) und / oder dem zweiten Sicherungsmechanismus (112) steht, wobei der Regler (212) ferner konfiguriert ist, die vom Kraftbereitstellungsmechanismus (109) aufgebrachte Kraft durch Einstellen eines einstellbaren Parameters im Druckkreislauf (208) einzustellen.

5. System nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Regler (212) konfiguriert ist, den einstellbaren Parameter durch Bereitstellen von Fluiddruckimpulsen einzustellen.

6. System nach Anspruch 4, wobei der einstellbare Parameter Fluiddruck im Druckkreislauf (208) ist.

7. System nach Anspruch 6, ferner umfassend ein Druckventil, ausgelegt und angeordnet, um den Fluiddruck im Druckkreislauf (208) regelbar einzustellen.

8. System nach Anspruch 7, ferner umfassend ein zweites Druckventil, ausgelegt und angeordnet, um die auf das erste Werkstück (104) und / oder das zweite Werkstück (106) aufgebrachte Kraft regelbar einzustellen.

9. System nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Sensor (102) konfiguriert ist, den Druck im Druckkreislauf (208) zu messen.

10. System nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Sensor (102) konfiguriert ist, eine Schwankung des gemessenen Parameters im Druckkreislauf (208) zu messen.

11. Verfahren zum Reibschweißen, Folgendes umfassend:

Bereitstellen eines Reibschweißsystems, Folgendes umfassend:

eine Schweißanordnung (107), konfiguriert, um kinetische Reibung zwischen wenigstens einer Oberfläche eines ersten Werkstücks (104) und wenigstens einer Oberfläche eines zweiten Werkstücks (106) zu übertragen, um eine Schweißnaht auszubilden;

einen Kraftbereitstellungsmechanismus (109) mit einem Druckkreislauf (208); ausgelegt und angeordnet, um eine Kraft auf das erste Werkstück (104) und / oder das zweite Werkstück (106) aufzubringen; und gekennzeichnet durch:

einen Sensor (102), ausgelegt und angeordnet, um eine Fluiddruckschwankung des Druckkreislaufs (208) der Schweißanordnung (117) zu messen, wobei ein Vibrationswert für einen Parameter des Reibschweißsystems aus der gemessenen Fluiddruckschwankung bestimmt wird; und gekennzeichnet durch die folgenden Schritte:

Überwachen der vom Kraftbereitstellungsmechanismus (109) aufgebrachten Kraft;

Bestimmen des Vibrationswerts für den Parameter als Reaktion auf die gemessene Fluiddruckschwankung;

Vergleichen des Vibrationswertes mit einem vorgegebenen Vibrationswert; und

Erzeugen eines Signals als Reaktion auf den Vibrationswert, wenn der Vibrationswert den vorgegebenen Vibrationswert für den Parameter übersteigt, und Zurückkehren zum Überwachungsschritt, wenn kein Signal erzeugt wird;

Bestimmen, ob der Vibrationswert behoben werden kann; und

Senden eines Signals an den Kraftbereitstellungsmechanismus (109), wobei der Kraftbereitstellungsmechanismus (109) als Reaktion auf das Signal zum Verringern der Kraft, die das erste Werkstück (104) und das zweite Werkstück (106) zusammendrängt, einstellt, wenn der Vibrationswert behoben werden kann oder wenn der Kraftbereitstellungsmechanismus (109) als Reaktion auf das Signal anhält, wenn der Vibrationswert nicht aufgehoben werden kann.

12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Fluiddruckschwankung Frequenzfluiddruckdaten des Druckkreislaufs (208) entspricht, der Druckkreislauf (208) in Fluidverbindung mit dem ersten Sicherungsmechanismus (108) und / oder dem zweiten Sicherungsmechanismus (112) steht und der zweite Sicherungsmechanismus (112) konfiguriert ist, das zweite Werkstück (106) zu drehen.

13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, ferner umfassend das Bereitstellen mehrerer Fluiddruckimpulse im Druckkreislauf als Reaktion auf das erzeugte Signal.

Revendications

1. Procédé de soudage par friction comprenant :

un aménagement de soudage (107) configuré pour communiquer une friction cinétique entre au moins une surface d'une première pièce (104) et au moins une surface d'une seconde pièce (106) afin de former une soudure ;

un mécanisme de fourniture de force (109) ayant un circuit de pression (208) aménagé et disposé pour appliquer une force à l'une et/ou l'autre de la première pièce (104) et de la seconde pièce (106) ; et caractérisé par :

un capteur (102) aménagé et disposé afin de mesurer une fluctuation de pression de fluide du circuit de pression (208) de l'aménagement de soudage, dans lequel une quantité de vibration pour un paramètre du système de soudage par friction peut être déterminée à partir de la fluctuation de pression du fluide mesurée ; et

un dispositif de commande (212) configuré pour recevoir une fluctuation de pression de fluide mesurée par le capteur (102) et pour ajuster la force appliquée par le circuit de fluide (208) du mécanisme de fourniture de force (109) en réponse à la fluctuation de pression de fluide mesurée.

2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'aménagement de soudage comprend :

un premier mécanisme de fixation (108) aménagé et disposé pour recevoir et fixer la première pièce (104) ; et

un second mécanisme de fixation (112) aménagé et disposé pour recevoir et fixer la seconde pièce (106), le second mécanisme de fixation (112) étant configuré pour faire tourner la seconde pièce (106).

3. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le mécanisme de fourniture de force (109) est configuré pour fournir la force à l'une et/ou l'autre de la première pièce (104) et de la seconde pièce (106) par un piston à entraînement hydraulique (202), le piston (202) étant configuré pour presser la première pièce (104) contre la seconde pièce (106).

4. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le circuit de pression (208) est en communication fluidique avec au moins l'un du premier mécanisme de fixation (108) ou du second mécanisme de fixation (112), dans lequel le dispositif de commande (212) est encore configuré pour ajuster la force fournie par le mécanisme de fourniture de force (109) en ajustant un paramètre ajustable dans le circuit de pression (208).

5. Système selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le dispositif de commande (212) est configuré pour ajuster le paramètre ajustable en fournissant des impulsions de pression de fluide.

6. Système selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le paramètre ajustable est la pression d'un fluide dans le circuit de pression (208).

7. Système selon la revendication 6, comprenant en outre une vanne de pression aménagée et disposée pour ajuster de manière contrôlée la pression de fluide dans le circuit de pression (208).

8. Système selon la revendication 7, comprenant en outre une seconde vanne de pression aménagée et disposée pour ajuster de manière contrôlée la force appliquée à l'une et/ou l'autre de la première pièce (104) et de la seconde pièce (106).

9. Système selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le capteur (102) est configuré pour mesurer la pression dans le circuit de pression (208).

10. Système selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le capteur (102) est configuré pour mesurer une fluctuation du paramètre mesuré dans le circuit de pression (208).

11. Procédé de soudage par friction comprenant les étapes consistant à :

fournir un système de soudage par friction comprenant :

un aménagement de soudage (107) configuré pour communiquer une friction cinétique entre au moins une surface d'une première pièce (104) et au moins une surface d'une seconde pièce (106) afin de former une soudure ;

un mécanisme de fourniture de force (109) ayant un circuit de pression (208) aménagé et disposé pour appliquer une force à l'une et/ou l'autre de la première pièce (104) et de la seconde pièce (106) ; et caractérisé par :

un capteur (102) aménagé et disposé pour mesurer une fluctuation de pression de fluide du circuit de pression (208) dans l'aménagement de soudage (117), dans lequel une quantité de vibration pour un paramètre du système de soudage par friction peut être déterminée à partir de la fluctuation de pression de fluide mesurée ; et caractérisé par les étapes consistant à :

contrôler la force appliquée par le mécanisme de fourniture de force (109) ;

déterminer la quantité de vibration pour le paramètre en réponse à la fluctuation de pression de fluide mesurée ;

comparer la quantité de vibration à une quantité prédéterminée de vibration ; et

générer un signal en réponse à la quantité de vibration si la quantité de vibration est supérieure à la quantité prédéterminée de vibration pour le paramètre et retourner à l'étape de contrôle si aucun signal n'est généré ;

déterminer si l'on peut remédier à la quantité de vibration ; et

envoyer un signal au mécanisme de fourniture de force (109), dans lequel le mécanisme de fourniture de force (109) s'ajuste en réponse au signal pour réduire la force pressant la première pièce (104) et la seconde pièce (106) conjointement si l'on peur remédier à la quantité de vibration ou le mécanisme de fourniture de force (109) s'arrête en réponse au signal si l'on ne peut remédier à la quantité de vibration.

12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, dans lequel la fluctuation de pression de fluide représente la fréquence de données de pression de fluide du circuit de pression (208), le circuit de pression (208) étant en communication fluidique avec au moins l'un ou l'autre du premier mécanisme de fixation (108) ou du second mécanisme de fixation (112), le second mécanisme de fixation (112) étant configuré pour faire tourner la seconde pièce (106).

13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, comprenant en outre la fourniture d'une pluralité d'impulsions de pression de fluide dans le circuit de pression en réponse au signal généré.

Drawing